Liverpool's first five fixtures compared to Arsenal and Man City in Premier League title challenge
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Liverpool's fixtures have been revealed for the 2026/27 Premier League season, and the first five games could be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the campaignLiverpool is set to battle for the Premier League title once again this season(Image: (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images))Preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League season can finally get underway, as Liverpool now know what games will be ahead for Andoni Iraola's first full season in charge at Anfield.The Reds will be hoping that this campaign can be better than the last, which saw the side scrape into fifth place and back into the Champions League, despite clear hopes of retaining the Premier League.Arne Slot's exit has paved the way for Iraola's appointment, and a return to the pressing philosophy that took the club back to the very top again under Jurgen Klopp. A fast start could be key to any slim hope of a title bid for the campaign ahead, with performances needed on top of results in the first five, as last season went on to prove.If the manager can get his ideas over quickly, then it could give Liverpool a head start over some key rivals, as champions Arsenal and contenders Manchester City are likely to be the key battles up ahead.So, with that said, here's a look at how the first five fixtures compare for all three teams heading into the 2026/27 Premier League season.Arsenal's first five fixturesLONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Bukayo Saka and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal lift the Premier League Trophy after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England.
(Photo by KontentHaus/Getty Images)21/08/2026 - Coventry City (H)29/08/2026 - Aston Villa (A)05/09/2026 - Chelsea (H)12/09/2026 - Sunderland (A)19/09/2026 - Brighton (A)Last season's champions Arsenal kick off the season with a mixed bag of fixtures ahead of them. Coventry at home is a favourable start, though the Gunners have been surprised by newly promoted teams on the first day of the season in the past.Clashes with Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brighton, and Sunderland may prove tricky as all three pushed around the European places last season, but Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a quick start to get the ball rolling on another title charge.Man City's first five fixturesErling Haaland celebrates with Antoine Semenyo during Man City's FA Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley(Image: (Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images))23/08/2026 - Bournemouth (H)29/08/2026 - Crystal Palace (A)05/09/2026 - Coventry City (H)12/09/2026 - Manchester United (A)19/09/2026 - Sunderland (H)Manchester City are set for a summer of change, as Pep Guardiola's exit is yet to be followed up with the expected appointment of Enzo Maresca.When the new boss is in position, he will face off with Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Coventry in some relatively favourable opening games.Maresca and Man City will quickly be thrown into the first taste of a Manchester derby against Man United, before rounding off the first five at home to Sunderland.It's a tough mix, but one that brings opportunity for the new head coach to make a great first impression on his new fanbase.Liverpool's first five fixturesLiverpool's 2026/27 Premier League fixtures have been revealed(Image: Getty)23/08/2026 - Newcastle United (A)29/08/2026 - Nottingham Forest (H)05/09/2026 - Ipswich Town (A)12/09/2026 - Fulham (H)19/09/2026 - Bournemouth (A)Liverpool may have the most favourable fixtures of the lot, even with a tough game away at Newcastle to contend with first up for Iraola.Home clashes with Nottingham Forest and Fulham offer an opportunity to win over the Anfield crowd early, while Ipswich away is a chance to land three points from a newly promoted team.Bournemouth away could prove tricky on the head coach's return to the Vitality Stadium, but the team will be aiming for maximum points at the start.